Floaters are one of the most common complaints related to vision in our office. Floaters are essentially the shadows created by material floating in fluid inside the eye, called the vitreous. Floaters can be seen at nearly any age but increase with age.
Are Floaters an Emergency?
Noticing a few floaters from time to time is not a cause for concern. However if new floaters, or what is often described as a “shower” of spots, or if associated with flashes of light, should be considered an EYE EMERGENCY, and you should seek medical assistance immediately from your eye doctor. Flashes are often the result of the vitreous tugging on the retina, which can lead to a tear, hole or detachment of the retina.
Here is an excellent Ted Talk video on floaters
